Krzysztof Palczewski

Krzysztof Palczewski is a Polish biochemist working at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.^[2] In 2012 he was awarded Prize of the Foundation for Polish Science, the most prestigious scientific award for Polish scientists, for characterizing crystal structures of native and activated G protein-coupled receptor, rhodopsin, involved in eyesight.^[3]

His MS and PhD are from the University of Wroclaw and Technical University of Wroclaw respectively (Poland), working with Dr. M. Kochman. His early posts were at the University of Florida and the Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Palczewski completed much of his pivotal research at the University of Washington and moved to become the Chair and John H. Hord professor of Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University in 2005.^[4]

He is the founder of two drug discovery companies, Polgenix and Retinagenix.^[5]

Research interests

Palczewski's research interest lie in mapping the Visual Transduction System. His work with determining the crystal structure of rhodopsin has given new insight into the function of G protein receptors. Furthermore, his work on visual cycle has led to revolutionary advances in understanding hereditary blindness, leading to implementation of novel pharmacological treatments that can slow retinal degeneration in adults. ^[6][7]

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Vertebrate Phototransduction and the Visual Cycle, Krzysztof Palczewski, Academic Press (2000), ISBN 0-12-182217-6

External links

• Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University
• Case Western Reserve's new medical researchers pump millions into Northeast Ohio economy
• Interview with Dr. Palczewski